Presidency Fires Back At Obi Over 2027 Safety Claims, Labels Allegations False

According to reports, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Obi’s claim as false, politically motivated, and an attempt to attract public sympathy while diverting attention from what he termed the opposition figure’s declining credibility.

Onanuga, in a statement shared on his verified X handle, argued that the allegation was part of what he described as a repeated pattern of misinformation aimed at portraying the former Anambra State governor as a victim of political persecution.

Obi had, during a podcast conversation with Chude Jideonwo, alleged that he had faced harassment from the government, including pressure on his business interests and attempts to discourage people from associating with him.

The former Labour Party presidential candidate also expressed concerns that he might not be alive to contest the 2027 presidential election if what he described as ongoing persecution continued.

Reacting to the claims, the Presidency dismissed the allegations as baseless, insisting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had no interest in targeting Obi or his businesses.

Onanuga also addressed Obi’s claim regarding an incident involving his vehicle at an airport, stating that available details suggested it was linked to a parking violation rather than any deliberate action by government officials.

The presidential spokesman further accused Obi of exaggerating personal challenges and attributing them to government actions without evidence. He described the claims as an attempt to create a narrative of victimhood ahead of the 2027 election.

He also rejected suggestions that Fidelity Bank Plc, where Obi has a significant interest, was being targeted by the Federal Government, stating that the financial institution had continued to operate successfully under the current administration’s economic policies.

The Presidency maintained that President Tinubu’s administration remained focused on implementing its economic reforms and governance agenda, adding that it would not be distracted by what it described as unfounded allegations from opposition figures.